How about this argument as to why cables sound different.

[Beckman]

While arguing in CA, a member named Sean gave this argument as to why each cables cause different systems to sound different.

He said:

"Cables all sound the same...by themselves.

It is the electrical characteristics of each component interphase combined with the characteristics ( impedances, levels of reactance, materials used, dielectric absorption, etc... ) of the cable itself that causes variations in sonic perceptions. Change one variable in the equation ( active component or cable ) and you've change the electrical characteristics ( and sonics ) of the circuit."

That statement seem very plausible assuming the fact that all cables are not as transparent as they should be. May be that explain (to some extent) why each cable used with different systems sound different.

? impedance, reactance = 1/impedance, same thing - inverse

? dielectric absorbtion = capacitance, included in impedance

? sonic perceptions - does this mean how the sonic percieves the music?

I agree that different cables can sound different. I also believe that if people replaced their expensive cables with 12 AWG zip cord and listened carefully they would find their system sounds equal or better.